NETS 99, BULLS 98

Terry Armour, Tribune Staff WriterCHICAGO TRIBUNE

In just a matter of hours Friday, the Bulls' mindset went from "Bring on the Atlanta Hawks" to "Let's get the heck out of New Jersey."

The Bulls admittedly were thinking ahead to their big Saturday matchup against the Hawks in the United Center. By the time they realized the New Jersey Nets weren't their usual hapless selves, it was too late. New Jersey snapped a seven-game losing streak against the Bulls, handing them an embarrassing 99-98 loss.

"We got ourselves in a deep hole without being prepared," Bulls coach Phil Jackson said, visibly annoyed with his team's play. "We weren't prepared for their speed, quickness and intensity."

The hole the Bulls (55-9) found themselves in was a 17-point deficit right off the bat, with New Jersey (19-44) scoring 23 of the game's first 29 points. The Bulls did lead briefly at 78-76 on a jumper by Michael Jordan (36 points, eight rebounds).

They were behind 95-88 with 3 1/2 minutes left, but pulled even on Scottie Pippen's two free throws with 1:28 remaining. After Xavier McDaniel's two free throws put the Nets up 97-95, the Bulls had a chance to force overtime. But Jordan, with Kendall Gill and Eric Montross hounding him, missed an 18-footer--his third airball of the game. McDaniel got the rebound, was fouled by Dennis Rodman and hit two free throws to make it 99-95.

"I tried to fade away and never really had my feet under me," Jordan said of the potential game-tying shot. "It was pretty much a dumb shot."

The Nets, led by Sam Cassell's 28 points, celebrated "a nice win for the organization and for the fans," coach John Calipari said.